[sdebbad]

I was at Chant Hare Krishna and there it is said that the method of worship for Kali Yuga is Sankirtana and not Japa of Hare Krishna Maha mantra.

Quoting the first prayer of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, to support the argument.

Can someone give your input?

[bendingleconte]

I completely disagree with their statement. Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra was directly and expressly prescribed by Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally. Bhakti yoga is the path that encompasses all other paths in the Vedas. (Service to the Lord).

The link you provided does not appear to be in line with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, so please read his works on the matter. He is in direct succession of gurus from Caitanya.

I hope this helps. Hare Krishna!

[sdebbad]

Aren't you a bit vague, when you say chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra? There are several ways to chant. Dhyana, a way of chanting, like it said in the Vedas, Krite Dhayato Vushnum.. which is japa, or chanting on the beads, to oneself.

The way I recall, Caitanya Mahaprabhu's first prayer makes no reference to japa. However gives all glories to congregational chanting of the Holy Names of Krishna.

Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankritanam.

It is ironic that so called devotees, today, avoid Sankirtana like plague. Of course I am not referring to Mayapur or Vrindavan, where Sankirtana goes on everyday.

Srila Prabhupada's teaching were to perform Sankirtana in the streets, even if it means closing the door of the temple (sorry I can't quote which lecture he said that, but I have confirmed the above statement from several senior members of Iskcon)

Most of the temples in USA now are taken over by Indian software professionals, who's habits of worship are from Dwapara Yuga.

Unfortunately, practicing just japa and no Sankirtan, takes one back to Krita Yuga, in terms of practice for the Yuga.
Kindly don't answer my question if you do not practice Sankirtana.
If you think Sankirtana is not the method for Kali, I suggest you listen to the tapes of Srila Prabhupada.

[bendingleconte]

I do not see any reference in my post about mentioning anything about Sankirtana. I DO practice it. My reply was in defense of the use of Japa, to which I thought you were referring. I see the practice of both as vital in my own God consciousness. Sorry if my reply was not what you were looking for.

[sdebbad]

I am glad to hear that you practice Sankirtana everyday ( I hope that's what you mean by saying that you practice Sankirtan ) in addition to Japa, I am sure...

Perhaps, with your blessing, I will be able to do the same.
I desperately need grace to be able to become a part of congregational chanting of the Holy Names of Krishna.

Streets of which city are you performing Sankirtan? Do you perform on your own or as a part of the group? Do you play Mridang or Kartal while you are chanting?

[bendingleconte]

There is no ISKON communities closer than 3 hours. We have a small association where we study Bhagavad-Gita and invite devotees from Atlanta, GA. I do not congregassionaly chant daily, but always my 16 rounds of Japa. We have Sankirtana in Atlanta (3 hrs south) and at Murari Sevaka (3hrs west).

If you are looking for local devotees, you may have success on Krishna.com and make some posts. Krishna will deliver you to associates if you ask Him.

-Your servant.

[bendingleconte]

... oh, and I forgot to answer: I prefer Manjira while performing. :)